Italy’s government suggested that member states study common EU measures against soccer hooliganism when it held the Union’s presidency last year. Rome has undertaken an analysis on ties between extremist and supporters groups in Europe. It says that “supporter groups are often marked by behaviours that are openly influenced by political extremism based on racist or xenophobic ideologies…”.

Italy argues that it is necessary to boost the exchange of information among national law enforcement bodies to make “security measures for sports events more effective and more targeted”.

Gerd Dembowski, from anti-racist lobby Flutlicht, said that the increased police monitoring of fans prior to the 2006 World Cup has led to a decrease in neo-Nazi displays at matches.